Durban tourism industry is ready to reopen – Mayor

DURBAN Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, said Durban is ready to welcome the country to its shores as security restrictions that were strangling the sector have been lifted.

“The announcement of the easing of the lockdown restrictions comes at a time when the City’s tourism authorities are working relentlessly to ensure that we respond effectively to Covid-19 and as far as possible put strategies in place that not only shield the tourism sector against the pandemic but also ensure that our City constructs and sustains a safe and healthy tourist destination status more aggressively than we have done before,” he said.

Kaunda stated that entertainment hubs such as Florida Road, Chartwell Drive in Umhlanga Village and township hotspot establishments are ready to host citizens and visitors in accordance to Covid-19 safety protocols.

ALSO READ: #LockdownSA: Durban set to lose billions as tourism dries up

“We look forward to seeing the public enjoy spaces such as the Moses Mabhida Stadium, the beachfront and uShaka Marine World which is set to re-open on 1 September and the Oyster Box Hotel which recently took third place in Trip Advisor’s best hotels in Africa list,” he said.

The Municipality recently identified R10m in savings from events and programmes cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic to establish a relief fund for businesses in the tourism sector.

The proposed a Socio-Economic Relief Fund will form part of the City’s Economic Recovery Plan to provide support to struggling businesses, stem job losses and fund projects aimed at assisting businesses to access opportunities.

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